Big Win for China’s Clones and Doppelgangers – Willy Lam

On Asia Sentinel, Willy Lam writes about the potential new lineup to emerge from the 17th Party Congress:

With Beijing having announced the dates for the pivotal 17th CCP Congress – which starts on October 15 – the world’s gaze is on the top dogs who will be endorsed at this five-yearly conclave. Foremost on the minds of China watchers is the composition of the ruling Politburo and in particular the Politburo Standing Committee (PSC), the country’s supreme governing council.

While skullduggery and horse-trading are expected to go on until the eve of the Congress itself, a few credible standing committee name lists have been circulating throughout the Chinese capital. The lineup that has received the most attention consists of three incumbents and four newcomers. [Full text]